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Esteves-Guimarães J, Matos JI, Leal-Sousa B, Oliveira P, Lobo L, Silvestre-Ferreira AC, Soares CS, Rodríguez-Escolar I, Carretón E, Morchón R, Fontes-Sousa AP, Montoya-Alonso JA. Current State of Canine Heartworm in Portugal. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1300. [PMID: 38731304 PMCID: PMC11083104 DOI: 10.3390/ani14091300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The favourable geo-climatic conditions in Portugal have made it highly conducive to the development of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs, leading to its identification as an endemic region. This nematode is rapidly spreading across Europe, particularly in northeastern countries. The objective of this study was to provide an updated assessment of the prevalence of this disease in Portuguese dogs, analysing the results in relation to epidemiological and geo-environmental factors, and to identify potential risk factors. A total of 1367 dogs from all continental and insular districts were included in the study and tested for D. immitis antigens. The overall prevalence was found to be 5.9%. It was observed that the disease is spreading northward, with previously unaffected districts now reporting cases, and that the prevalence in coastal districts exceeded that of inland ones. Notably, the Aveiro district exhibited a significant increase in D. immitis prevalence, while in certain districts such as Setúbal, Santarém, Madeira, or Faro, a stabilisation or decrease in prevalence was noted. Furthermore, outdoor and older dogs were found to be at a higher risk of infection. No positive cases were detected in the Azores. Most of the infected dogs were located in areas of high and medium risk of infection. This study underscores the importance of implementing pharmacological prophylaxis, vector control strategies, and public awareness programs to control the spread of this zoonotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jorge Isidoro Matos
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (J.I.M.); (E.C.); (R.M.); (J.A.M.-A.)
| | | | - Pedro Oliveira
- EPIUnit, ICBAS—Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Luís Lobo
- Veterinary Hospital of Porto, 4250-475 Porto, Portugal;
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal
- Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal (CECA), Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente (ICETA) da Universidade do Porto, Praça Gomes Teixeira, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Cristina Silvestre-Ferreira
- Center for Animal and Veterinary Science (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (A.C.S.-F.); (C.S.S.)
| | - Carla S. Soares
- Center for Animal and Veterinary Science (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (A.C.S.-F.); (C.S.S.)
- VetLamaçães, Veterinary Clinic, 4715-303 Braga, Portugal
- CIVG—Vasco da Gama Research Center, EUVG—Vasco da Gama University School, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Iván Rodríguez-Escolar
- Zoonotic Diseases and One Health GIR, Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Campus Miguel Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Elena Carretón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (J.I.M.); (E.C.); (R.M.); (J.A.M.-A.)
| | - Rodrigo Morchón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (J.I.M.); (E.C.); (R.M.); (J.A.M.-A.)
- Zoonotic Diseases and One Health GIR, Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Campus Miguel Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Ana Patrícia Fontes-Sousa
- Department of Immuno-Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Pharmacological Research and Drug Innovation (MedInUP), Veterinary Hospital of the University of Porto (UPVET), ICBAS—Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - José Alberto Montoya-Alonso
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (J.I.M.); (E.C.); (R.M.); (J.A.M.-A.)
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Walter-Weingärtner J, Bergmann M, Hartmann K. [Overview on utility of in-house tests for detection of systemic infectious diseases in dogs]. TIERARZTLICHE PRAXIS. AUSGABE K, KLEINTIERE/HEIMTIERE 2024; 52:98-109. [PMID: 38701805 DOI: 10.1055/a-2289-1927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
For detection of infectious diseases, several point-of-care (POC) tests are on the market in addition to methods performed in commercial laboratories. These POC tests are based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or other immunochromatographic technologies and present results within few minutes in veterinary practice. This article gives an overview of the utility of numerous POC tests of different manufacturers for detection of parvovirus antigen in feces, Dirofilaria (D.) immitis antigen in blood as well as antibodies against Borrelia (B.) burgdorferi, Anaplasma (A.) spp., Ehrlichia (E.) spp., Leptospira (L.) spp. and Leishmania (L.) infantum in blood (single or in different combinations). Sensitivity and specificity of these tests are important for their usefulness in veterinary practice. Furthermore, presence of antibodies or detection of antigen has to correlate with the presence of clinical signs. POC tests for detection of canine parvovirus antigen have a very high specificity, the sensitivity of all evaluated POC tests, however, is very low. POC tests for detection of D. immitis antigen have a very high sensitivity and specificity. As they detect antigen from the uterus of female adult parasites, test results are negative when only very few female or only male adults are present. POC tests for detection of antibodies against B. burgdorferi only indicate contact with Borrelia spp. and do not prove clinical Lyme disease, as the infection only extremely rarely causes clinical signs. POC tests for detection of antibodies against A. phagocytophilum are also not suitable for diagnosis of clinical anaplasmosis. Infections with A. phagocytophilum only lead to clinical disease in very rare cases and in these, clinical signs occur before the development of antibodies. POC tests for detection of antibodies against E. canis have a very high sensitivity as well as specificity. POC tests for detection of antibodies against L. infantum and Leptospira species (spp.) show a very high specificity and a high sensitivity. However, Leptospira spp. antibody-positive results may occur following vaccination, as the POC tests cannot distinguish between field and vaccination strains.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michèle Bergmann
- Medizinische Kleintierklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Medizinische Kleintierklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
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Mõttus M, Mõtsküla PF, Jokelainen P. Heartworm disease in domestic dogs in Estonia: indication of local circulation of the zoonotic parasite Dirofilaria immitis farther north than previously reported. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:124. [PMID: 38475885 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06217-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mosquito-borne zoonotic parasite Dirofilaria immitis continues to spread northwards in Europe. This parasite can cause potentially life-threatening heartworm disease in dogs and pulmonary dirofilariasis in humans and is, therefore, a major health concern in both the veterinary medicine and human medical fields. This is the first report of D. immitis infections and heartworm disease in the Baltic country Estonia. METHODS Data on canine D. immitis infections and heartworm disease were collected from the electronic patient records database of the Small Animal Clinic of Estonian University of Life Sciences, the only university clinic in Estonia. The patient records of dogs with confirmed diagnosis of D. immitis infection or heartworm disease were reviewed and summarised. RESULTS Six dogs had been diagnosed with confirmed D. immitis infection or heartworm disease at the university clinic in 2021-2022. The confirmed diagnoses had been reached following international guidelines, based on a combination of different tests. Molecular confirmation of the parasite species had not been performed. Two of the dogs had been imported while four had no travel history outside of the country. CONCLUSIONS Four of the dogs with a confirmed D. immitis infection or heartworm disease had no history of being imported or travelling outside of the country, indicating autochthonous infections and, consequently, local circulation of the parasite in Estonia. These findings represent the new northernmost autochthonous cases of D. immitis infection and canine heartworm disease reported in the European Union.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maare Mõttus
- Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia.
| | | | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
- Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Miterpáková M, Valentová D, Hurníková Z. Dirofilaria immitis conquering the regions in Slovakia previously endemic for D. repens. Parasitol Res 2023; 122:2945-2950. [PMID: 37773461 PMCID: PMC10667417 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07983-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
The present study was focused on the current state of Dirofilaria species distribution in the territory of the Slovak Danubian Lowland, a region previously identified endemic for Dirofilaria repens. For the research, blood samples of 330 dogs tested positive for dirofilariosis using concentration tests or "rapid heartworm tests" were sent by private veterinary practitioners for further DNA analyses and species determination. The results revealed an unquestionable change in the pattern of Dirofilaria species distribution with Dirofilaria immitis, diagnosed as the agent of mono- and co-infections with D. repens, responsible for 60.00% of all cases. The results showed that in the course of the last 5 years, D. immitis has spread significantly in Slovakia and has become the dominant causal agent of dirofilariosis in the former endemic areas of D. repens distribution, which increases infection risk for both dogs and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Miterpáková
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Daniela Valentová
- Veterinary and Food Institute, Botanická 15, 842 52, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Hurníková
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01, Košice, Slovakia.
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Roblejo-Arias L, Díaz-Corona C, Piloto-Sardiñas E, Díaz-Sánchez AA, Zając Z, Kulisz J, Woźniak A, Moutailler S, Obregon D, Foucault-Simonin A, Corona-González B, Cabezas-Cruz A. First molecular characterization of Dirofilaria Immitis in Cuba. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:239. [PMID: 37978522 PMCID: PMC10655431 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03803-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dirofilarioses are widespread diseases caused by mosquito-borne nematodes of the family Onchocercidae, genus Dirofilaria. The major etiologic agent of canine dirofilariosis in the American continent is the zoonotic parasite Dirofilaria immitis. Existing reports of filarioid nematodes in Cuba are based solely on morphological and immunological analysis which do not allow unambiguous identification and/or direct detection of causal agents. RESULTS Here we present the molecular characterization of filarioid nematodes found in a dog in Cuba. Based on the molecular and phylogenetic analysis of the 5.8S-ITS2-28S region and cox1 gene fragments, the worms were unambiguously classified as D. immitis. Sequence analysis showed high identity of the gene fragments in this study with others previously obtained from D. immitis found in dogs, wolfs and jackals but also from mosquito vectors of D. immitis. CONCLUSIONS Further studies are guarantee to better understand the epidemiological impact of canine dirofilariosis in Cuba as well as the competence of different species of culicid mosquitoes as vectors of Dirofilaria in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisset Roblejo-Arias
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado Postal 10, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, 32700, Cuba
| | - Cristian Díaz-Corona
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado Postal 10, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, 32700, Cuba
| | - Elianne Piloto-Sardiñas
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado Postal 10, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, 32700, Cuba
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Zbigniew Zając
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11st, Lublin, 20-080, Poland
| | - Joanna Kulisz
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11st, Lublin, 20-080, Poland
| | - Aneta Woźniak
- Department of Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11st, Lublin, 20-080, Poland
| | - Sara Moutailler
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Dasiel Obregon
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Angélique Foucault-Simonin
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Belkis Corona-González
- Direction of Animal Health, National Center for Animal and Plant Health, Carretera de Tapaste y Autopista Nacional, Apartado Postal 10, San José de las Lajas, Mayabeque, 32700, Cuba.
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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Brianti E, Napoli E, De Benedetto G, Venco L, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Basile A, Bezerra-Santos MA, Drake J, Schaper R, Otranto D. Elimination of Dirofilaria immitis Infection in Dogs, Linosa Island, Italy, 2020-2022. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:1559-1565. [PMID: 37486185 PMCID: PMC10370836 DOI: 10.3201/eid2908.221910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
On Linosa Island, Italy, Dirofilaria immitis infection has been hyperendemic in dogs and seroprevalent among islanders. In 2020, we implemented a heartworm disease elimination program on Linosa Island. Of 54 dogs tested for D. immitis antigen and microfilariae, 28 had positive results and received treatment with oral doxycycline twice daily for 4 weeks plus topical imidacloprid/moxidectin monthly for 12 months. The 26 dogs with negative results received monthly topical imidacloprid/moxidectin as preventive. During month 1, the number of microfilaremic dogs was reduced by 76.5%. From month 2 on, all animals were microfilariae negative, and during months 3 to 9, the number of antigen-positive dogs decreased progressively. Treatment of positive dogs coupled with chemoprophylaxis for noninfected dogs was effective, protecting them from new infections. The elimination program reduced the risk for human infection, representing a One Health paradigm. Monitoring and chemoprophylaxis are advocated to maintain the status of heartworm disease-free area.
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Ciuca L, Caruso V, Illiano S, Bosco A, Maurelli MP, Rinaldi L. Emerging risk of Dirofilaria spp. infection in shelter dogs in southern Italy. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1112036. [PMID: 37483291 PMCID: PMC10357286 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1112036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In southern Italy, the number of autochthonous cases of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs has increased considerably. This also occurs in the Campania region, particularly in coastal areas, where infections with D. immitis and Dirofilaria repens have been reported more frequently. Therefore the aim of the present study was to better investigate the occurrence of Dirofilaria spp. in a local dog shelter in Castel Volturno (Campania region, southern Italy). Briefly, a total of 260 blood samples were analysed for identification of microfilariae (mff) and detection of Dirofilaria immitis antigen. Dogs were classified according to their age (1-3 years; 4-6 years; 7-11 years; > 11 years) and length of stay in the shelter at the time of sampling (dogs that entered in the shelter in the last 4 months; dogs housed in the shelter for more than 4 months up to 2 years; dogs housed for more than 2 years). The modified Knott's test revealed that 195 dogs (75.0%) were positive for circulating mff of Dirofilaria spp. Specifically, 104/260 (40.0%) dogs were positive for D. immitis and 91/260 (35.0%) were positive for D. repens. In addition, 72/260 (27.7%) dogs had both D. immitis and D. repens mff. Antigen testing revealed that 78/260 (30.0%) dogs were positive for D. immitis. However, 26/104 (25.0%) of the dogs with D. immitis mff were antigen-negative. The overall k concordance between the modified Knott's test and the antigenic test was ≤0.2 (poor) (p = 0.000). The results of the logistic regression model showed a significant association between Dirofilaria exposure and the period of time the dogs had spent in the shelter at the time of sampling. Dogs housed in the shelter for 4 months (group 1) and between 4 months and 2 years (group 2) had higher Dirofilaria positivity than dogs in group 3 (housed for more than 2 years) (80.4% vs. 79.6% vs. 62.4%, respectively). Moreover, male dogs and older dogs (between 7 and 11 years of age) were more likely to be infected with Dirofilaria spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Ciuca
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, Unit of Parasitology, University of Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Gomes-de-Sá S, Santos-Silva S, Moreira ADS, Barradas PF, Amorim I, Cardoso L, Mesquita JR. Assessment of the circulation of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs from northern Portugal through combined analysis of antigens, DNA and parasite forms in blood. Acta Trop 2023; 239:106799. [PMID: 36572345 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilariasis is a vector-borne disease frequent in many countries. Not only infected dogs, but also cats and wild canids (including wolves and foxes), represent important sources of infection for mosquitoes, which are the pathogen vectors. The disease is endemic in Mediterranean countries with increasing incidence in Italy, France, Greece and Spain, but limited epidemiological data is available from Portugal regarding its distribution and impact. Aiming to clarify this, canine whole blood samples (n = 244) from the north of Portugal were tested for Dirofilaria spp. antigens by use of a commercial rapid immunomigration test. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the modified Knott test were also used to assess the presence of microfilariae. Results were also compared to assess the performance of each test used. Of the 244 animals tested, 118 (48.4%) were positive for Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) in the serological adult worm rapid antigen detection test, and 36 (14.8%) had circulating microfilariae, identified as D. immitis. A combined positivity of 51.6% (126/244) was found. Results indicate that the risk of exposure to D. immitis in dogs is high in this region of Portugal, and that prophylaxis against the parasite is advisable to decrease the occurrence of canine infection and disease. The present study highlights the diagnostic value of serological and molecular tests in determining the prevalence of D. immitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sónia Gomes-de-Sá
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sérgio Santos-Silva
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Patrícia Ferreira Barradas
- Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Sciences, CESPU, CRL, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), Gandra, Portugal; Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal
| | - Irina Amorim
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal; Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, and CECAV - Animal and Veterinary Research Centre, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal; Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Portugal
| | - João R Mesquita
- ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Porto University, Porto, Portugal; Epidemiology Research Unit (EPIUnit), Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal.
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Asawakarn S, Pimpin A, Jeamsaksiri W, Sripumkhai W, Jitsamai W, Taweethavonsawat P, Piyaviriyakul P. Application of a novel rectangular filtering microfluidic device for microfilarial detection. Front Vet Sci 2023; 9:1048131. [PMID: 36686171 PMCID: PMC9853162 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1048131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The rectangular filtering microfluidic chip was invented using microfluidics device fabrication technology and can separate living microfilariae from blood samples without a syringe pump. The diagnostic results are highly effective. The device is based on the principle of separating millions of blood cells from microfilariae using a rectangular filter structure. It disperses fluid evenly into the flow-passage channel, and its rectangular filter structure is the key to success in reducing the pressure and separating blood cells from microfilariae effectively. The flow rate and blood cell concentration were optimized in our study. The chip is intended to be a point-of-care device that can reduce the use of superfluous instrumentation in the field. The technology is designed to be rapid, accurate, and easy-to-use for all users, especially those in remote areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sariya Asawakarn
- Biochemistry Unit, Department of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,Biomarkers in Animal Parasitology Research Group, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Alongkorn Pimpin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,Micro/Nano Electromechanical Integrated Device Research Unit, Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Wanarit Jitsamai
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Piyanan Taweethavonsawat
- Biomarkers in Animal Parasitology Research Group, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,Parasitology Unit, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Prapruddee Piyaviriyakul
- Biochemistry Unit, Department of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,*Correspondence: Prapruddee Piyaviriyakul ✉
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Panarese R, Moore R, Page AP, McDonald M, MacDonald E, Weir W. The long-distance relationship between Dirofilaria and the UK: case report and literature review. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1128188. [PMID: 37180057 PMCID: PMC10172649 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1128188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last two decades, vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) have changed their distribution across the globe as a consequence of a variety of environmental, socioeconomic and geopolitical factors. Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are perfect exemplars of European VBPs of One Health concern that have undergone profound changes in their distribution, with new hotspots of infection appearing in previously non-endemic countries. Some areas, such as the United Kingdom, are still considered non-endemic. However, a combination of climate change and the potential spread of invasive mosquito species may change this scenario, exposing the country to the risk of outbreaks of filarial infections. Only a limited number of non-autochthonous cases have been recorded in the United Kingdom to date. These infections remain a diagnostic challenge for clinicians unfamiliar with these "exotic" parasites, which in turn complicates the approach to treatment and management. Therefore, this review aims to (i) describe the first case of D. repens infection in a dog currently resident in Scotland, (ii) summarise the available literature on Dirofilaria spp. infections in both humans and animals in the United Kingdom and (iii) assess the suitability of the United Kingdom for the establishment of these new VBPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Panarese
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Rossella Panarese,
| | - Rhiannon Moore
- Dundas Veterinary Group Limited, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Antony P. Page
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Mike McDonald
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Emma MacDonald
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - William Weir
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Culda CA, Dionnet R, Barbu AC, Cârstolovean AS, Dan T, Grijalva J, Espin P, Vinueza RL, Cruz M, Páez-Rosas D, Renato L, Mihalca AD. The Presence of Dirofilaria immitis in Domestic Dogs on San Cristobal Island, Galapagos. Pathogens 2022; 11:1287. [PMID: 36365038 PMCID: PMC9696258 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This study's concept was outlined around the principle of conservation medicine in a biodiversity hotspot from the Neotropical realm: the Galapagos Islands. The wildlife balance has been modified by multi-host parasites introduced with some domestic animals (dogs and cats). The endemic and endangered species, the Galapagos sea lion (GSL, Zalophus wollebaeki), has been exposed to pathogens of canine and feline origin that could become a significant conservation problem for this species. One of these potential cases is the filarial heartworm infection, Dirofilaria immitis, which has been reported on other pinnipeds, with fatalities and clinical symptoms. Therefore, this study evaluated the presence of the microfilaria of D. immitis in dogs from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island, where the largest rookery of GSLs lives and where the proximity to domestic dogs is the most intimate compared to other rookeries of the archipelago. Between July and September 2021, 587 blood samples were collected from owned dogs of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Overall, 10 dogs (1.7%) were positive for the presence of the microfilaria of D. immitis with a confidence interval of 0.7%-2.8%. No other filarial species were identified. Significant differences in prevalence between different dog categories were observed only for the age (p = 0.001). This study represents the first report of D. immitis, the agent of canine heartworm disease, in dogs from San Cristobal Island. Hence, the presence of the microfilaria of D. immitis in the blood of dogs could increase the risk of infection to which the GSL is exposed in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Andreea Culda
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Romane Dionnet
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andra Celia Barbu
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrada Silvia Cârstolovean
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Teodora Dan
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Jaime Grijalva
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Cumbayá, Quito 150157, Ecuador
| | - Priscilla Espin
- Agencia de Regulación y Control de la Bioseguridad y Cuarentena para Galápagos, Isla San Cristóbal 200152, Galápagos, Ecuador
| | - Rommel Lenin Vinueza
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Cumbayá, Quito 150157, Ecuador
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica & Medicina Tropical LEMMT, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Cumbayá, Quito 150157, Ecuador
| | - Marylin Cruz
- Agencia de Regulación y Control de la Bioseguridad y Cuarentena para Galápagos, Isla San Cristóbal 200152, Galápagos, Ecuador
| | - Diego Páez-Rosas
- Galapagos Science Center, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Isla San Cristóbal 200150, Islas Galápagos, Ecuador
- Dirección del Parque Nacional Galápagos, Unidad Técnica Operativa San Cristóbal, Isla San Cristóbal 200150, Islas Galápagos, Ecuador
| | - Leon Renato
- Laboratorio de Entomología Médica & Medicina Tropical LEMMT, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Cumbayá, Quito 150157, Ecuador
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Negron V, Saleh MN, Sobotyk C, Luksovsky JL, Harvey TV, Verocai GG. Probe-based qPCR as an alternative to modified Knott's test when screening dogs for heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection in combination with antigen detection tests. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:306. [PMID: 36038928 PMCID: PMC9425932 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05372-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Current recommendations for diagnosis of Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs rely on the detection of antigen produced largely by adult females coupled with the visualization of microfilariae (mf) in the circulation via a microfilaria detection test (MFDT). It is hypothesized that qPCR assays used in parallel with antigen detection tests will perform better in detecting mf than modified Knott’s test (MK), when combined with antigen detection. This study compares probe-based qPCR and MK techniques for mf detection used in parallel with the DiroCHEK® antigen test to screen for heartworm infection in shelter dogs. Methods Matching blood and serum samples were collected from 300 shelter dogs in Brazos and Harris counties, Texas, USA. Blood was assessed for the presence of mf via MK and the presence of D. immitis DNA by a species-specific probe-based qPCR assay. Serum samples were tested for the presence of heartworm antigen using DiroCHEK® before and after immune complex dissociation (ICD) via heat treatment. In addition, the performance of each diagnostic test was evaluated via Chi-square test, Cochran’s Q test, and post hoc analysis. Results Qualitatively, MK detected mf in 22.0% (66/300) of samples, 55 of which were morphologically identified as D. immitis and 11 as Acanthocheilonema reconditum. The range of heartworm mf was 28 to 88,803 mf/ml (median: 6627.5). Real-time PCR detected D. immitis DNA in 20.7% (62/300) of samples. Heartworm antigen was detected in 24.7% (74/300) of samples pre-ICD, and in 29.3% (88/300) post-ICD. When comparing tests, the Chi-square and McNemar’s tests showed that the difference between positive and negative proportions was statistically significant. The Cochran test showed the difference in the distributions of cases and non-cases was significant when individual tests were combined (χ2 = 62.3, df = 3, P < 0.0001) and when parallel methods were combined (χ2 = 43.1, df = 4, P < 0.0001). Conclusion Considering individual and combined test performances, practicality, and efficient use of bench time, this heartworm-specific probe-based qPCR method is a viable option as a mf detection test to be used in parallel with antigen tests for canine heartworm infection in diagnostic and research settings. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Negron
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4467 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4467, USA
| | - Meriam N Saleh
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4467 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4467, USA
| | - Caroline Sobotyk
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4467 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4467, USA
| | - Joe L Luksovsky
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4467 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4467, USA
| | - Tatiani V Harvey
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4467 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4467, USA
| | - Guilherme G Verocai
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4467 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843-4467, USA.
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Sgroi G, Buono F, Iatta R, Beall M, Chandrashekar R, Buch J, Piantedosi D, Veneziano V, Otranto D. Vector-borne pathogens of zoonotic concern in hunting dogs of southern Italy. Acta Trop 2022; 232:106502. [PMID: 35523272 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Dogs are commonly exposed to vector-borne pathogens (VBPs), yet few data are available on hunting dogs, which are often at high risk of infection due to their involvement in field activities. To investigate the occurrence of VBPs and evaluate the relative performance of different diagnostic tools, blood and serum samples were collected from hunting dogs (n = 1,433) in rural areas of southern Italy. All samples were tested by Knott's technique for filarioids, serologically (SNAP® 4Dx® Plus) for Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Dirofilaria immitis and Ehrlichia spp. and molecularly (qPCR) for all except B. burgdorferi of the above pathogens plus Babesia spp. and Leishmania infantum. Logistic regression was run to evaluate the statistical associations between the risk of VBP infection and independent variables (such as geographic area of provenience, age class and sex) and K-Cohen formula for assessing the concordance among diagnostic tests. Overall, out of 321 dogs (22.4%) positive to at least one VBP, 28 (1.9%) were infected by filarial species at the Knott's technique. In particular, Acanthocheilonema reconditum was the most prevalent (1.6%), followed by D. immitis (0.2%) and Dirofilaria repens (0.1%). One hundred forty (9.8%) and 231 (16.1%) dogs scored positive to VBPs by serological and molecular methods, respectively. The most prevalent pathogens detected were Ehrlichia spp. (7.3%) with SNAP® 4Dx® Plus, and A. reconditum (7.7%) by qPCR. Statistics revealed a significant association (p < 0.001) between A. reconditum infestation and both Ehrlichia spp. seropositivity and geographical origin of dogs. An agreement of 99.9%, 94.0% and 95.7% for Knott - SNAP® 4Dx® Plus, Knott - qPCR and SNAP® 4Dx® Plus - qPCR for D. immitis was found, respectively. Data demonstrate a high prevalence of VBPs in hunting dogs, indicating that this group of animals is largely exposed to several arthropod vector species and suggesting the transmission risk of pathogens to humans in rural areas of southern Italy. A multi-diagnostic approach and a deeper cooperation among healthcare and stakeholders are required to prevent VBP infections to animals and humans.
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Abstract
Background Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are vector-borne zoonotic parasites which affect mainly dogs and humans worldwide. In Iran, information about the distribution of those nematodes is scant in several regions. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence of these filarial parasites in stray dogs from five Iranian provinces where no information about these parasites is available. Methods Blood samples were collected from 344 stray dogs in five provinces of Iran (i.e. Mazandaran, Gilan, Esfahan, Qazvin and Loresan). The presence of microfilariae was assessed using direct smear, modified Knott’s test, molecular detection of filarial DNA (cox1 gene) and Wolbachia endosymbiont of parasitic nematodes (ftsZ gene) by conventional PCR (cPCR). All of the PCR products were sequenced and phylogenetic analysis was performed. Results In total, 75 dogs (21.8%) were found to be positive for D. immitis by cPCR. Infection was detected in all provinces, with the highest prevalence in Gilan province (22/28; 78.6%). Acanthocheilonema reconditum was diagnosed in five dogs (1.4%) from three provinces (i.e. Esfahan, Mazandaran, Gilan). Two dogs were infected with both parasites and three were only infected with A. reconditum. Dirofilaria repens infection was not found in the examined population. Representative sequences of the D. immitis cox1 gene from dogs from the northern provinces (Mazandaran, Gilan, Qazvin) were grouped together and distinctly separate from the ones from western and central provinces (Lorestan and Esfahan), suggesting that different nematode populations are present in the country. Conclusion The data reported herein fill existing gaps in knowledge about canine filarial infection in two Iranian provinces and record the highest prevalence of D. immitis ever reported in the country (i.e. 78.6%). A geographical review of the literature about Dirofilaria spp. and A. reconditum infections in dogs and humans has also been summarized, indicating that D. immitis and D. repens are distributed in 22 of 31 provinces in Iran, whereas A. reconditum is present in fewer regions. Effective control strategies are advocated for owned dogs, and a national program for the management of stray dogs is needed to minimize the risk of infection in animals and humans. Graphical Abstract ![]()
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Soares LA, Matias IC, Silva SS, Ramos MEO, Silva AP, Barretto ML, Brasil AW, Silva MLC, Galiza GJ, Maia LA. Parasitological, serological and molecular diagnosis of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs in Northeastern Brazil. Exp Parasitol 2022; 236-237:108233. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Pérez Pérez P, Rodríguez-Escolar I, Carretón E, Sánchez Agudo JÁ, Lorenzo-Morales J, Montoya-Alonso JA, Morchón R. Serological Survey of Canine Vector-Borne Infections in North-Center Spain. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:784331. [PMID: 34938795 PMCID: PMC8685324 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.784331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Various factors are currently causing an increase in vector-borne parasitic diseases at a global scale; among them, some stand out, such as climatic disturbances derived from global change, the increase in movements of reservoir animals, or changes in land made by human activity. In the European continent, there have been an increasing number of epidemiological studies focused on the detection of these diseases, especially in dogs. In Spain, there are few epidemiological studies focused on the evaluation of the biotic and abiotic factors that may influence the distribution, such as climatic zones, orography, or presence of water reservoirs. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence and distribution of several canine vector-borne diseases caused by Dirofilaria immitis, Leishmania infantum, Anaplasma platys, and Ehrlichia canis in the autonomous community of Castilla y León, the largest region of the Iberian Peninsula, providing a geospatial approach based on a geographic information system (GIS) analysis. Blood from a total of 1,475 domestic dogs from the nine provinces of Castilla y León were analyzed. Also, a GIS analysis of the sample locations was carried out, taking into account the most important predictor variables. The prevalence in dogs infected by D. immitis was 7.19%, and the seroprevalence by L. infantum was 4.61 and 1.56% for A. platys and E. canis. Most of the infected animals were located in areas with stagnant water, irrigated agriculture, or riverbanks, always close to forest and woodland vegetation. These results indicate that dogs living in Castilla y León should take prophylactic measures to avoid infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Pérez Pérez
- Zoonotic Infections and One Health GIR, Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Iván Rodríguez-Escolar
- Zoonotic Infections and One Health GIR, Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Elena Carretón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - José Ángel Sánchez Agudo
- Grupo de Investigación en Biodiversidad, Diversidad humana y Biología de la Conservación, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jacob Lorenzo-Morales
- Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias (IUETSPC), Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Pediatría, Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Toxicología, Medicina Legal y Forense y Parasitología, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Alberto Montoya-Alonso
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Morchón
- Zoonotic Infections and One Health GIR, Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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Translational Research of Zoonotic Parasites: Toward Improved Tools for Diagnosis, Treatment and Control. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111416. [PMID: 34832572 PMCID: PMC8621207 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
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Giubega S, Imre M, Ilie MS, Imre K, Luca I, Florea T, Dărăbuș G, Morariu S. Identity of Microfilariae Circulating in Dogs from Western and South-Western Romania in the Last Decade. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111400. [PMID: 34832556 PMCID: PMC8618794 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Dirofilaria infections in dogs are recognized as widespread mosquito-borne diseases with zoonotic potential, that are caused by the filarioid nematode (Onchocercidae) species Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens. The long-term survey conducted in western and south-western Romania was undertaken in order to provide valuable data on the occurrence of Dirofilaria infections in dogs. Blood samples from 1088 dogs, originating from 73 localities of 11 western and south-western counties in Romania, were collected and examined using the modified Knott test. Subsequently, all of the microscopically positive samples were subjected to molecular analysis for confirmation. Altogether, the data obtained showed the percentage of dogs with circulating microfilariae to be 21.42% (233/1088) of dogs tested in the investigated region. The identified species, in cases of monoinfections, were D. immitis, D. repens, and Acanthocheilonema reconditum in 106 (9.74%) samples, 102 (9.38%) samples, and 1 (0.09%) sample, respectively. Twenty-four (2.21%) samples were simultaneously positive for D. immitis and D. repens. There was no association (p > 0.05) between infection status and breed; however, sex and lifestyle were positively associated (p < 0.05) with the percentage of dogs with circulating microfilariae and might be regarded as risk factors for infection. The results of the present investigation indicate potential zoonotic risks for humans living in the screened area and support the imperative to increase awareness among both veterinarians and physicians, regarding the continuous spread of these zoonotic filariae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Giubega
- Department of Parasitology and Dermatology, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.I.); (I.L.); (T.F.); (G.D.); (S.M.)
| | - Mirela Imre
- Department of Parasitology and Dermatology, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.I.); (I.L.); (T.F.); (G.D.); (S.M.)
| | - Marius Stelian Ilie
- Department of Parasitology and Dermatology, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.I.); (I.L.); (T.F.); (G.D.); (S.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +40-256-277-190
| | - Kálmán Imre
- Department of Animal Production and Veterinary Public Health, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Iasmina Luca
- Department of Parasitology and Dermatology, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.I.); (I.L.); (T.F.); (G.D.); (S.M.)
| | - Tiana Florea
- Department of Parasitology and Dermatology, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.I.); (I.L.); (T.F.); (G.D.); (S.M.)
| | - Gheorghe Dărăbuș
- Department of Parasitology and Dermatology, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.I.); (I.L.); (T.F.); (G.D.); (S.M.)
| | - Sorin Morariu
- Department of Parasitology and Dermatology, Banat’s University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine “King Michael I of Romania” from Timisoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania; (S.G.); (M.I.); (I.L.); (T.F.); (G.D.); (S.M.)
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Evaluation of alternative reagents on the performance of the modified Knott's test. Vet Parasitol 2021; 298:109555. [PMID: 34425345 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2021.109555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the suitability of different reagents as safe alternatives to 2% formalin in the modified Knott's test for the diagnosis of subcutaneous (Dirofilaria repens) and cardiopulmonary (D. immitis) dirofilariosis. A total of 61 blood samples from dogs naturally infected with D. immitis and D. repens were collected and analysed in two different laboratories (Lab 1, University of Parma and Lab 2, University of Napoli). For each blood sample the modified Knott's method was performed to identify and measure the mean length and width of the microfilariae (mfs) using 2% formalin (A), 2% acetic acid (B), 2% glacial acetic acid (C), 10% saponin (D) and distilled water (E). When compared to 2% formalin, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) among the mean length and width of either D. immitis or D. repens mfs with distilled water (E). The lengths and widths of mfs, however, were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) when using B, C, D likely due to more pronounced parasite dehydration. Despite differences in measurements, the morphological features of the head and tail of the two species were maintained, suggesting that all the solutions tested could be a suitable alternative to formalin. All alternative reagents caused more marked haemolysis compared to formalin, improving readability of slides. The values of the mean length and the mean width of D. immitis and the mean width of D. repens mfs obtained with formalin and distilled water were statistically different (P < 0.005) between the two laboratories. The difference in mf measurements between the two labs could be due to the use of reagents purchased from different manufacturing companies. Results suggest that distilled water could replace formalin in the modified Knott's test, as a safer reagent that allows morphology-based species differentiation of Dirofilaria spp.
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Panetta JL, Calvani NED, Orr B, Nicoletti AG, Ward MP, Šlapeta J. Multiple diagnostic tests demonstrate an increased risk of canine heartworm disease in northern Queensland, Australia. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:393. [PMID: 34372886 PMCID: PMC8351338 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04896-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is a life-threatening infection of dogs with a global distribution. Information on the prevalence of D. immitis and associated risk factors for canine heartworm antigen positivity—and thus disease—in Australia is scarce or outdated. The current reference method for D. immitis diagnosis in dogs is via the detection of heartworm antigen in blood using commercially available microwell-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Heat treatment of canine plasma prior to testing has been suggested to increase test sensitivity. The aim of the current study was to estimate the prevalence of D. immitis in dogs confined to shelters in Queensland, Australia. The impact of heat treatment on antigen test results was also assessed. Methods Blood samples (n = 166) were collected directly from dogs in seven shelters across Queensland (latitudinal span of approx. 1700 km) into EDTA blood collection tubes. A commercially available ELISA (DiroCHEK®) was used to detect canine heartworm antigen in untreated and heat-treated plasma. Whole blood was concurrently tested for the presence of microfilariae and D. immitis DNA using a modified Knott’s test and real-time PCR, respectively. Risk factors (age, gender, source, location) associated with the odds of positivity for canine heartworm were assessed using binary logistic regression models. Results A total of 16 dogs (9.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.9–15.2%) were positive for canine heartworm based on combined test results. Heat treatment did not impact on the positivity of D. immitis antigen within samples (Cohen’s kappa = 0.98), but the optical density was significantly increased in paired plasma samples for D. immitis antigen-positive samples (Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test, two-tailed P < 0.01). Location of the dog in a shelter in northern Queensland was the only risk factor significantly associated with the odds of a dog being more likely to be D. immitis antigen positive (odds ratio: 4.39; 95% CI: 1.26–13.51). All samples positive for the modified Knott’s test were also positive for D. immitis DNA by PCR. Conclusions This study demonstrated the presence of heartworm-positive dogs in shelters in Queensland, with positive animals significantly more likely to occur in northern Queensland than southern Queensland. Sustained testing for the presence of D. immitis microfilariae and antigen remain important diagnostic tools in areas with known and re-emerging canine heartworm activity. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04896-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Panetta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | | | - Bronwyn Orr
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Aldo Gianfranco Nicoletti
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Michael P Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
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Panarese R, Iatta R, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Zatelli A, Beugnet F, Otranto D. Efficacy of afoxolaner (NexGard®) in preventing the transmission of Leishmania infantum and Dirofilaria immitis to sheltered dogs in a highly endemic area. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:381. [PMID: 34325730 PMCID: PMC8323259 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04883-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leishmania infantum and Dirofilaria immitis are among the most important canine vector-borne pathogens (CVBPs) of zoonotic concern in Europe. In endemic areas for both of these CVBPs, the use of systemic ectoparasiticides, such as afoxolaner (NexGard®; Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health), may have the potential for controlling these infections. The aim of this study was to assess, for the first time, the insecticidal efficacy of NexGard® in decreasing the transmission of D. immitis and L. infantum to sheltered dogs living in a hyperendemic area, compared to the year before treatment, as well as its impact on the abundance of mosquito and sand fly populations. Methods All dogs (n = 179) enrolled in the study were divided into two groups based on their infection status at enrollment: a non-infected group (G1) and an infected group (G2; infected with D. immitis, L. infantum or both). The study was conducted from March 2020 to March 2021. In order to exclude all animals infected with L. infantum and D. immitis before March 2020 (sampling time: T0), dogs in G1 were sampled in June (T1; i.e. T0 + 90 days) and in October 2020 (T2; i.e. T0 + 210 days). From March to September 2020, all animals (G1 and G2) were weighed and treated monthly with NexGard®. Animals in G1 were tested for the last time in March 2021 (T3; i.e. T0 + 330 days) for assessing post-treatment incidence rate of infection and prevention efficacy. Results The post-treatment incidence of D. immitis was 3.7% (1/27; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.2–18.1) and that of L. infantum was 3.6% (3/83; 95% CI: 1.0–10.1). Considering the annual incidence in 2019 and 2020, the protective efficacy against D. immitis and L. infantum infections was 94.2 and 64%, respectively. Of the female mosquitoes collected (n = 146), only one pool out of 50 tested positive for D. immitis DNA, whereas out of 1252 female Sergentomya minuta specimens collected, only four tested positive for L. infantum (0.3%). Conclusions Afoxolaner is efficacious in decreasing the rate of transmission of both D. immitis and L. infantum; however, comparison of the pre- and post-treatment period demonstrated that there was a significant difference only in the seasonal incidences of D. immitis infection. Preventive measures are recommended throughout the year in endemic areas to reduce the risk of pathogen transmission to animals and humans. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Panarese
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Zatelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy. .,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran.
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22
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Human and Animal Dirofilariasis in Southeast of France. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9071544. [PMID: 34361979 PMCID: PMC8307238 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Dirofilariasis is one of the oldest known zoonotic infections of humans mainly caused by the filarial parasites of the species Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, which primarily infect dogs. A five-year survey (2017 to 2021) was conducted among the dog population to assess the molecular prevalence of Dirofilaria spp. in southeast France. Morphological and genetic analysis were performed on filaroids from dogs and one infected woman from the studied area. A total of 12 (13%) dogs scored molecularly positive for Dirofilaria spp. of which nine carried blood microfilariae. Ocular dirofilariasis was detected in a 79-year-old woman with no travel history. Both electron microscopy and molecular sequencing identified the worm in the human case as D. repens. Molecularly, D. repens isolates were identical in the human and dog cases, representing the only genotype reported so far in France. Despite the distribution of this genotype through all Europe, it was grouped separately with the other two European genotypes and with Asian ones. As in almost all previous human cases in France, D. repens parasites were mainly recovered from the ocular region of patients and were geographically concentrated in the southeastern regions. Data demonstrate the sympatric occurrence of D. immitis and D. repens with high risk of infection to human and dog populations in these investigated geographical areas, thereby underlining the urgent need to implement preventive chemoprophylactic strategies and vector control to reduce the risk of these filaroids in dog and human populations.
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23
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Brianti E, Panarese R, Napoli E, De Benedetto G, Gaglio G, Bezerra-Santos MA, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Otranto D. Dirofilaria immitis infection in the Pelagie archipelago: The southernmost hyperendemic focus in Europe. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:1274-1280. [PMID: 33787005 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are mosquito-borne filarioids of zoonotic concern, which primarily cause canine heartworm disease (HWD) and subcutaneous dirofilariosis, respectively. The geographical distribution of these nematodes is constantly changing, due to many factors such as the colonization by new invasive mosquito species, the increased movement of animals and the absence of chemoprophylactic strategies in non-endemic regions. Although HWD has always been considered endemic in northern Italy, an increase in the prevalence of this disease has been recorded in the last decades in central and southern regions. We describe the southernmost hyperendemic European focus of heartworm disease in the Pelagie archipelagos. From June to November 2020, 157 dogs and 46 cats were sampled in Linosa and Lampedusa islands for the detection of Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens by modified Knott's, rapid antigen and molecular tests. Mosquitoes were collected using CDC light and BG sentinel-2 traps and aspirators, and tested for host blood meal and Dirofilaria spp. DNA. Out of 56 dogs in Linosa and 101 in Lampedusa, 33 (i.e. 58.9%) and 8 (i.e. 7.9%) were positive to D. immitis and D. repens, respectively. Three cats scored positive to D. immitis (i.e. 17.6%) in Linosa. Six mosquito species were identified, and the abdomen of a non-engorged Aedes albopictus was positive for D. immitis and human DNA. The results suggest that D. immitis infection could spread to new previously non-endemic territories in southern Europe, representing a real threat to animal and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Brianti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Rossella Panarese
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Ettore Napoli
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Gabriella Gaglio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy.,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
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24
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Panarese R, Iatta R, Beugnet F, Otranto D. Incidence of Dirofilaria immitis and Leishmania infantum infections in sheltered dogs from Southern Italy. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:891-894. [PMID: 33547868 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Leishmania infantum and Dirofilaria immitis are among the most important vector-borne pathogens in Europe, affecting animal and human health. In endemic areas, the epidemiology of both infections is conditioned by abundance of vectors and chemoprophylaxis measures. However, knowledge on the incidence of heartworm (HW) and Leishmania infections occurring in sympatry is still scant. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the incidence of both infections in two dog shelters from southern Italy, which represent hotspots for these two diseases. In June and in October 2020, all dogs that previously scored negative for L. infantum (n = 111, site 1; n = 70, site 2) and D. immitis (n = 58, site 1; n = 61, site 2) in 2019 were tested for the estimation of the incidence of both infections. Anti-L. infantum IgG was detected by immunofluorescence antibody test, whereas D. immitis infection was diagnosed by modified Knott's test, SNAP 4Dx Plus test and real-time PCR. The overall D. immitis and L. infantum infection incidence values were both higher in site 2 (i.e. 63.9% and 10%, respectively) than site 1 (i.e. 39.7% and 1.8%, respectively). The dog shelter in site 2 was shown to be more suitable for the development of the mosquito/sand fly populations and, consequently, for the spreading of both parasites representing a potential threat for animal and human health. The high incidence of both infections recorded in this study suggests the need for chemoprophylaxis measures and vector monitoring and control to minimize the risk for animals and humans living in shelters or in their neighbourhoods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberta Iatta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.,Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
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25
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Muñoz AAF, Martinez AR, Pinilla JC. Prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in shelter dogs in Bucaramanga metropolitan area, Colombia. VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY- REGIONAL STUDIES AND REPORTS 2020; 22:100489. [PMID: 33308715 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The heartworm Dirofilaria immitis is the causative agent of cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis in dogs and cats and also infects humans. The current knowledge about this parasite in South America is scarce compared to North America and Europe. Nevertheless, this parasite has been reported in some regions of Colombia. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with D. immitis infection in shelter dogs from Bucaramanga metropolitan area. We performed a cross-sectional study using blood samples from shelter dogs. Microfilariae testing of whole blood included a blood smear and modified Knott's test. Antigen testing of serum was performed using the Anigen Rapid HW Ag Test Kit 2.0 ®. A descriptive analysis and univariable logistic regression analysis were applied. A total of 207 whole blood samples, from 7 shelters dogs in the Bucaramanga metropolitan area, were utilized. The overall prevalence of D. immitis observed in shelter dogs in the Bucaramanga metropolitan area by blood smears and modified Knott's test was 6.3% (13/ 207) and 0.5% (1/207) by immunochromatography test kit. Regarding the prevalence by municipalities, there was a statistical association (P < .05), indicating that the prevalence was higher in dogs in Girón municipality. Likewise, there was a statistical association (P < .05) between the prevalence with respect to heartworm knowledge and mosquito control. For prevalence by gender, age group, dog breed, and hair length, there was no statistical association (P > .05). For Girón municipality there was a 7.1 times (OR = 7.1; CI95% 0.8-59.2; P < .05) increased infection risk. This study provides current data and the first known report of the prevalence of D. immitis microfilaremia and antigenemia in shelter dogs in the Bucaramanga metropolitan area, and these results could be useful for designing new control measures for this infection. We observed that the prevalence of both microfilaremia and antigenemia was significantly lower in these sampled dogs compared to previous reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Alberto Florez Muñoz
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Naturales y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Santander, Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Agropecuarias-GICA, Campus lagos del Cacique, CP 680006 Bucaramanga, Colombia.
| | - Ariel Rosas Martinez
- Escuela Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Instituto Universitario de la Paz, Barrancabermeja CP 687037, Colombia.
| | - Juan Carlos Pinilla
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Naturales y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Santander, Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Agropecuarias-GICA, Campus lagos del Cacique, CP 680006 Bucaramanga, Colombia.
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